Steve Forbes is The Union Leader's choice in the
Feb. 1, 2000, New Hampshire Presidential Primary.

This is a promising but also a very challenging time
for the United States. It demands steady, intelligent, conservative
leadership. That leadership must be grounded in respect for free
enterprise, wariness of big government, and an understanding of and ability
to deal with the dangers that still threaten America.

Just as important, it must be leadership that is
God-fearing, respectful of innocent life, and determined to restore a sense
of decency to the White House.

Of the candidates with any hope of success, Steve
Forbes is head and shoulders above the others in fitting that bill.
He understands the freedom and opportunity that free enterprise can provide
and he is pushing to extend it by freeing Americans from the IRS, cutting
back on government, and letting people make their own decisions.

Forbes believes in what he says and he says it.
His two main rivals, on the other hand, seem much more interested in what
the news media say about them than in their own messages.

George Bush has said virtually nothing substantial
in this campaign because he thinks that will get him the nomination.
And John McCain will say virtually anything because he thinks that will
get him attention.

Thursday night's debate finally brought Bush into
view with the others but its Bush-approved format provided little chance
for comparisons. No matter. There will be other opportunities
and we believe New Hampshire voters who take the time will discover what
we have:

Bush is a nice guy but an empty suit with no philosophical
underpinning.

McCain could finish a strong second, in the Democrats'
race.

Steve Forbes is not charismatic. (Some would
say he looks like a geek.) But he's also not a phony. Ask him
a question, you'll get a thoughtful answer, not a soundbite.

He is one tough, smart customer who can be the strong,
principled leader America needs.

Joseph W. McQuaid

Reprinted with Permission
of Union Leader Corporation. All rights reserved.